James Chambers signs multi-year deal with Bethlehem Steel

• Dave Donnelly
• Mon, Dec 05 2016




Former St Patrick's Athletic midfielder James Chambers has signed a new multi-year contract with United Soccer League (USL) side Bethlehem Steel.

 

The well-travelled Dubliner signed for the Pennsylvania side – who play in the second tier of North American football – at the beginning of the season after leaving Pats for a second time.

 





The 29-year-old, who won Pats' player of the year in 2015, impressed in his first season stateside as he topped the club's assists table with four and was club's third-top scorer with three.

 

Chambers also captained the side, becoming just the club's third captain in their short history, and is expected to resume the role next season.

 

“It was an easy decision for me to be coming back,” Chambers to the Bethlehem Steel website.

 





“The staff and I have the same beliefs on how we both want the game to be played and that's important to me. The whole organization is going in the right direction and I want to be a part of that.”

 

Steel coach Brendan Burke added: "James displayed a technical quality and leadership abilities that we felt would benefit the growth of our club and our younger players for years to come which is why we are so happy to have him commit to our project for multiple years.

 

“He is a class individual and player and one that we can now say will anchor our team for the foreseeable future."

 





Dubliner Chambers began his League of Ireland career with Shelbourne before spending time with Waterford United (on loan), Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers.

 

After winning the league with the Hoops in 2010, Chambers joined Scottish side Hamilton Academical, with whom he spent a year before returning to play with the Saints.

 

He returned to the Hoops for another two-year stint before returning to Pats and adding to his trophy haul with league title and FAI Cup in his two seasons at Richmond Park.